Heisman 2012 Power Rankings: Week Four

Geno Smith [West Virginia – QB] His form dipped a bit against Maryland, to 30/43 for 338 yards and three touchdowns. 12-0 TD-INT ratio. He’s completing 82 percent of his passes. He will be in the mix going over 4,000 yards and 40 TD with a high QB rating. Whether he wins depends on how much of a fight West Virginia puts up in the Big 12.

De’Anthony Thomas [Oregon – RB/WR] Thomas’ Arizona game was pedestrian, with 14 touches for 59 yards. SI cover jinx? We’ll presume this was a blip. Oregon should keep winning. The Black Momba should keep making plays. For him to win the trophy this season, he needs a statement against Stanford or USC.

E.J. Manuel [Florida State – QB] Manuel asserted himself with his huge performance against Clemson. He completed 77 percent of his passes for 380 yards and ran for 102. What a difference a functional offensive line makes. E.J. is no assassin, but he will post strong numbers on a team that will go undefeated or come damn close.

Aaron Murray [Georgia – QB] Murray should emerge as the premier SEC quarterback candidate. He’s completing more than 66 percent of his passes. He has a 10-2 TD to INT ratio and is averaging 10.5 yards per attempt. He will hang around. He may need to win the SEC to do so.

Collin Klein [Kansas State – QB] “Colon” if you are Lou Holtz or “Optimus” if you are Scott Van Pelt. Klein’s numbers have not been spectacular, but he has been efficient passing (12th nationally), he keeps the chains moving on the ground and the Wildcats keep picking off what are, on paper, better teams.